Woodbridge’s Cherry Tree Inn to host a Dementia-friendly lunch on ‘World Dementia Day’

The Cherry Tree Inn at 73 Cumberland Street, Woodbridge is to host a Dementia-friendly lunch on Wednesday 21^st September 2022 – which is ‘World Dementia Day’ – to support people living with Dementia being able to continue enjoying social activities within their local community.

The lunch, to be held from 12.30pm, is for individuals living with Dementia and their family carers. The Cherry Tree Inn – in partnership with the Woodbridge Dementia Project and Seckford Care – is providing a fixed-price menu, with three options to choose from, including a main course and a drink for just £13, and a family carer will receive a meal for free.

Cathy O’Brien, Head of Development and Communities at Seckford Care, and Chair of the Woodbridge Dementia Project, says:

“We will be hosting a relaxed lunch, where people can walk around freely, and The Cherry Tree Inn staff have an awareness of Dementia, with a supportive and friendly approach. The pub offers a range of board games to play and has a nice, enclosed garden area, all of which helps with the philosophy of being able to live well with Dementia and reduce the risk of social isolation.

“We are inviting people living with Dementia either to attend the lunch alone or with a friend, or with their family carer, if they need support. Members of the Woodbridge Dementia Project will also be on hand to talk to those attending.

“The Cherry Tree Inn has been a long-standing supporter of, not only the Woodbridge Dementia Project, but also other charitable causes and events, and it is very generous of them to offer the reduced-cost menu and a free meal for a family carer to make it more affordable.”

Andy Thompson of The Cherry Tree Inn commented:

“At the centre of our thoughts on what a pub should be is the knowledge it is an accessible place for the whole community to meet and feel safe. The pub is a truly important place for everyone, especially the most vulnerable of us, and we always want to make sure people are able to socialise in an environment they feel comfortable in.

“Having seen family members suffer with Dementia, we understood just how important socialising and interacting is to those suffering and their family. If we can be even a small part of making life slightly easier, then we will”.

Cathy has been involved with the Woodbridge Dementia Project since its launch in 2018, and works with the partnership to help to make Woodbridge a more Dementia-friendly town.

Every 21^st September, on ‘World Dementia Day’, communities all around the globe focus their efforts on creating awareness of Dementia and supporting those with Dementia to keep active and lead fulfilling lives.

Tables for the Dementia-friendly lunch must be booked in advance directly with The Cherry Tree Inn on 01394 384627 and please state if you wish to have a meal as a family carer. 

Please contact Cathy O’Brien at Seckford Care with any queries on 01394 386520.

Photo: Pictured, left to right, landlords Andy Thompson and James Buckingham. [CREDIT: Seckford Care]